Everett, Edward (1794–1865)

US religious leader, educator, and public figure. He served in the US House of Representatives 1825–35, as governor of Massachusetts 1835–39, and as US minister to England 1841–45. He was president of Harvard University 1846–49. His four-month role as President Fillmore's secretary of state 1852–53 was followed by a short tenure in the US Senate 1853–54.

Born in Dorchester, Massachusetts, and educated at Harvard, Everett was named pastor of Boston's Brattle Street Church 1814. After gaining his PhD at Göttingen 1817 he taught at Harvard. After retiring from public office, he spent the rest of his life as a private citizen speaking out against slavery and in favour of the preservation of the Union.